West Virginia Ridge House: A Modern Dog Trot Home Made From Local Materials

When a weekend home on a ridge in West Virginia burned down, the owners decided to celebrate by building a new house that recalls the vernacular Dog Trot House commonly found in Appalachia. It was equally important to them that the new structure sit amicably amidst the lush foliage and create a gentle connection between the landscape and the home's day-lit interior. Hit the jump to find out what strategies GriD Architects used to accomplish that worthy goal.

The owners – a painter and an art historian – sought a humble space with enough room for a studio, study, living room, dining room and kitchen, along with a master suite. GriD Architects sourced materials for the structure locally, including metal sheet roofing and hemlock. Most notable is the way the form of the house mimics the surrounding rock formations – a poetic strategy with important functions.

The design team arranged the home’s private functions along the ridge and oriented the public functions to overlook the Potomac River. Clerestory windows bring in plenty southern light and optimizes winter time solar gain. With thoughtful passive design, a small footprint, and a nod to Appalachian tradition, this delightful home sits quietly in this extraordinary mountainous setting.